Resident of San Jose

Irene Shigeko Hirota was born May 9, 1923 in Ogden, Utah, and passed away peacefully surrounded by family, on May 2, 2023 in San Jose. She was the beloved mother to Norris (Teri), loving grandmother to Michael (Diana) and Cary ( Jessica), and cherished great grandmother to Maddie. She was preceded in death by her parents, Rikichi and Kiyono Kondo, husband Noboru, and siblings, Rikio, Richard (Regina), Yukie ( John) Ambo, George (Frances), William, and Tosh (Suzuko). She is survived by her sister-in-law Jeanne Kondo, and many nieces and nephews.

Irene enjoyed being active in the Buddhist Women's Association (BWA) of the San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin, participating in various Yu-Ai Kai Senior Service activities, and spending time catching up with her many friends over lunch or dinner. She especially treasured time spent with her two grandsons and, later, with her grandsons' families, and she was so thrilled to become a great grandmother to Maddie.

The family would like to acknowledge the compassionate support received from 1+1Cares and the many caregivers throughout the past 4 years, Yu-Ai Kai Senior Services, and the Vitas Healthcare hospice team.

A private service has been held. In lieu of koden, please consider a donation in Irene's name to either the BWA of the San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin, or to Yu-Ai Kai Japanese American Community Senior Service.